Survival Horror Golden Rules These golden rules collectively define the survival horror genre. They were originally created for a series of videos on Resident Evil by JMMREVEW in 2011 You can watch the first video by following the link Resident Evil 2 Tribute Golden Rule 1: Scarce Resources In survival horror games, players often find themselves with limited supplies, such as ammunition, health items, and save points. This scarcity forces players to make strategic decisions about when to fight and when to flee, heightening the sense of vulnerability and tension throughout the game. Golden Rule 2: Unreliable Combat Combat in survival horror games is often unpredictable. Players may not always be certain that their attacks will succeed, adding an element of risk and uncertainty. This lack of control increases the fear factor, as players must constantly adapt to the unknown outcomes of their actions. Golden Rule 3: Unexpected Attacks Survival horror games thrive on the element of surprise. Unexpected attacks from enemies keep players on edge, as danger can strike at any moment. These sudden encounters disrupt the player’s sense of safety, maintaining a constant atmosphere of dread. Golden Rule 4: Puzzle Solving Survival horror games frequently incorporate complex puzzles. These puzzles often require critical thinking and exploration, providing a break from the tension of survival and adding depth to the gameplay. Solving puzzles can unlock new areas or provide essential resources, making them integral to progress. Golden Rule 5: Having to Evade Enemies Sometimes, the best strategy is to avoid confrontation altogether. Survival horror games often give players the option or necessity to evade enemies rather than engage them directly. This mechanic emphasizes careful planning, reinforcing the feeling of being hunted and the need to survive at all costs. Golden Rule 6: Playing as a Vulnerable Character Players in survival horror games typically control characters who are significantly weaker or less equipped than their monstrous adversaries. This power imbalance creates a sense of helplessness and amplifies the horror experience, as players must rely on their wits and resourcefulness to survive. Golden Rule 7: Maze-like Environments The environments in survival horror games are often designed like mazes, with complex layouts and limited visibility. These labyrinthine settings disorient players, making navigation challenging and adding to the feeling of being trapped or lost. Golden Rule 8: Perception Limitation Visibility is intentionally restricted to heighten tension. This can be done with fixed camera angles (like Alone in the Dark or Resident Evil) or environmental factors like fog, darkness, or supernatural elements (similar to Silent Hill). Players must rely on limited sight and other senses to navigate, amplifying fear and uncertainty.
